Artistry, Anise, and a Touch of Rebellion

There are spirits that follow the rules - and then there's absinthe. For over a century, it has been whispered about, romanticised, misunderstood, and even outlawed. But in the heart of France, a new chapter began. La FEe was the first absinthe legally distilled in France after the ban was lifted in 2000, and it remains a cornerstone of the spirit's modern revival - made with historical precision, but a fresh approach that invites exploration rather than intimidation.

Distilled just outside Paris, La Fee NV is produced in collaboration with the Musee de l'Absinthe in Auvers-sur-Oise - a gesture of authenticity that shows this isn't some novelty nod to a forgotten era. It's a true verte absinthe, naturally coloured and traditionally crafted, offering both the classic louche ritual and enough versatility to shine in contemporary cocktails. And at 40% ABV, it's intentionally gentler than the heavyweights of the category, allowing its complexity to come through without overpowering the palate.

The spirit itself is a vivid, almost emerald green - shimmering in the glass before transforming into a cloudy, opalescent wash when water is added. That signature louche is more than just visual theatre: it's the result of essential oils unlocking and blooming into the glass. It's traditional, yes - but also a moment of sensory magic.

On the nose, La FEe is unmistakably absinthe: bold star anise and sweet fennel lead the charge, layered with the fresh, herbal brightness of mint, dried meadow herbs, and the subtle, earthy intrigue of wormwood. There's a green depth here that hints at wild gardens and damp forest air - cool, aromatic, and softly bitter.

The palate is lively and aromatic. You'll find the usual suspects - anise, hyssop, coriander, and peppermint - but they're finely woven together. Rather than shouting over each other, the botanicals move in harmony, creating a profile that's herbal, slightly sweet, and remarkably clean. A lift of citrus zest keeps things bright, while the wormwood lingers just beneath the surface, giving structure and a whisper of that famous absinthe edge.

The finish is long, cool, and gently numbing - not aggressive, but invigorating, like catching the scent of herbs on a night breeze somewhere high above Montmartre.

How to serve it? 

That depends on your mood. For the traditionalist, there's the ritual: slow-drip ice water over a sugar cube on an absinthe spoon, watching it cloud and swirl into something dreamy. It's not just for show - it transforms the texture, rounds out the bitterness, and delivers a silky, aromatic experience best sipped slowly.

But La Fee NV is also built for creativity. Its lower ABV makes it more cocktail-friendly than most absinthes. Try it in a Death in the Afternoon - a dash of absinthe topped with cold Champagne for a drink that feels like jazz and moonlight. Add a rinse to a Corpse Reviver No.2 for complexity, or slip a few drops into a Margarita or Mojito to give classic cocktails an herbal wink.

Why you'll love it:

La Fee NV is absinthe made accessible. It respects the spirit's rich legacy - from bohemian salons to cafE terraces - but offers a gentler, more versatile profile for the modern drinker. Whether you're new to absinthe or seeking a lower-proof bottle with all the flavour and mystique, La FEe is a confident, charismatic choice. No hallucinations, no drama - just a beautifully crafted spirit with roots in the past and relevance in the present.

This is not just a nod to the Green Fairy. It's an invitation to drink with the dreamers.